Date on Senior Honors Thesis

5-2026

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree Name

B.A.

Cooperating University

University of Louisville

Department

Philosophy

Committee Chair

Dr. Andreas Elpidorou

Committee Member

Dr. Boomer Trujillo

Committee Member

Dr. Julie Bunck

Author's Keywords

evidence-resistant belief; evidence sensitivity; virtue epistemology; vice epistemology; social epistemology; identity

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a growing body of academic research regarding the nature and origin of evidence-resistant belief systems and examine the influence that they have upon our lives. This examination of the origin of these beliefs draws on two intellectual disciplines: psychology and epistemology. A psychological approach examines the cognitive mechanisms that allow for the formation and persistence of these beliefs. The psychological approach focuses on the biological drives of belief formation and resilience. Furthermore, an examination of the psychology of identity shows an entanglement of one’s identity with belief systems that allows for this persistence. The epistemological framework relies on social and virtue epistemology, theories of knowledge regarding its relationship to our social environment and virtuous practices, to create an understanding of the nature of these beliefs and how they interact with the broader environment of which they are part. These beliefs become important because of the inextricable relationship between knowledge and power. This ability of influence is effective in both others and the individual. The continued existence of these beliefs can empower the individual to alter and shape the beliefs of others, the way that individuals interact with one another, how these effects ripple out, and the way we view and mentally structure society. Within the scope of the individual, this poses a significant cost to the believers. Ultimately, evidence-resistant beliefs should be morally condemned and there is an urgent imperative on the believer to resist these beliefs once they take hold.

Lay Summary

This thesis attempts to tackle one fundamental question: Why would someone continue to believe something even if it has been proven wrong? To answer this question, it takes in views from both psychology and philosophy. Psychologically, it examines the biological drives behind belief formation and continuance. It looks to the relationship between belief and identity as the primary justification for the maintenance of evidence-resistant beliefs. Philosophically, it considers the question from the realm of epistemology, the study of knowledge and truth. From this perspective, it moves to examine the social spheres that we live in as contributing to the formation of these beliefs and points to practices of knowledge acquisition that can lead to and be reinforced by these beliefs. After examining the nature of evidence-resistant belief, the thesis turns to the implications of these beliefs persisting. It emphasizes the inherent connection between knowledge and power. This connection allows these beliefs to influence both the believer that holds them and the people that are exposed to them. In both cases, evidence-resistant beliefs may lead to harmful practices. Finally, it creates an ethical indictment against these beliefs and declares them as something to be actively resisted. This resistance is not simply acknowledged but argued to be an ethical imperative for the believer to take upon themselves. This is due to the highly personalized nature of these beliefs and their insulation from external challenges. It, ultimately, concludes that these beliefs are something to be ethically condemned and believers have an urgent duty to resist these beliefs within themselves. 

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